“He Shall Direct Thy Paths”
Come, Follow Me Study Guide | September 7-13
Reading: Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
Life does not always unfold according to simple formulas, but the Lord offers wisdom that gives our lives direction, stability, and eternal purpose. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes invite us to trust Jesus Christ, receive His correction, speak with kindness, and choose what will endure beyond mortality.
Click here for a helpful activity packet the whole family can enjoy!
Setting the Stage for Your Come, Follow Me Study
This section of the study guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the revelation or scripture being studied. By exploring the events, challenges, and background of the time, this section helps readers appreciate the significance of the teachings and how they apply to our lives today.
Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes belong to a category of Old Testament poetry known as wisdom literature, which examines practical questions about living faithfully. Instead of primarily recounting the Lord’s dealings with Israel, these books offer counsel and reflection about human behavior, adversity, mortality, and devotion to God.
The book of Proverbs contains wise sayings collected over several centuries, with many traditionally attributed to Solomon. Proverbs 1–9 presents ten speeches from a father to a son and four poems that portray wisdom as a woman calling people away from foolishness and toward righteousness.
Many proverbs use parallelism, repeating or contrasting an idea through similarly structured phrases. This poetic pattern makes principles memorable while showing how choices involving pride, correction, communication, discipline, and obedience lead people toward different outcomes.
Throughout Proverbs, wisdom means more than intelligence or accumulated knowledge because “the Lord giveth wisdom.” Fearing the Lord describes reverence, respect, awe, obedience, and confidence in Jesus Christ rather than the alarm and anxiety associated with worldly fear.
Ecclesiastes presents the reflections of a figure called the Preacher, who is traditionally thought to be King Solomon. Understanding that its recurring phrases “under the sun” and “under heaven” refer to mortal life—and that “vanity” describes what is fleeting, insubstantial, or quick to fade—provides essential context for the Preacher’s questions and observations.
Find more helpful background and other information here.
Come, Follow Me Study Resources
This section provides additional talks and insights to deepen your study and strengthen your understanding of gospel principles. Explore these messages to gain fresh perspectives and apply what you learn in your daily life.
- “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” by David A. Bednar
- “Trust Again” by Gerrit W. Gong
- “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker,” by Neil L. Andersen
- “Words Matter,” by Ronald A. Rasband
Come, Follow Me Podcasts
These podcasts provide valuable insights, personal stories, and thoughtful perspectives that align with this week’s Come, Follow Me study guide. Tune in to explore new ideas and deepen your understanding of the principles being taught.
- Teaching with Power – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
- Our Mothers Knew It – Old Testament Week 37 [Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12] with Maria Eckersley
- Faith Insights – Proverbs & Ecclesiastes | Come Follow Me | Faith Insights
Questions for Personal Reflection
These thoughtful prompts are designed to help you connect the scriptures and their principles to your own life, encouraging personal insights and spiritual growth. Take time to reflect, journal, or discuss these questions as part of your study.
- Where are you leaning primarily on your own understanding instead of allowing the Lord to direct your path?
- Which temporary pursuit currently receives time or energy that would be better invested in something of eternal value?
- How would greater reverence, humility, and trust in Jesus Christ change the way you respond to correction or uncertainty?
Living the Principle: “He Shall Direct Thy Paths”
These suggestions are designed to inspire action and help you live the teachings in meaningful, personal ways. By embracing these ideas, you can deepen your discipleship and bring the light of the gospel into your home, relationships, and community.
- Choose one unresolved decision and prayerfully compare personal assumptions with the principles the Lord has revealed.
- Practice giving a soft answer during one difficult conversation, especially when irritation or defensiveness begins to rise.
- Set aside time to identify one temporary distraction and replace it with worship, service, meaningful connection, or another pursuit of lasting worth.
Shareable Quote for Come, Follow Me Inspiration
This section of the study guide features an uplifting quote from Church leaders, scriptures, or this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson—perfect for sharing with family and friends, or on social media. These messages are designed to spark meaningful conversations and keep the truths you learn at the forefront of your week.
How has this week’s study guide inspired or strengthened you? Your reflections could uplift someone else and spark a meaningful conversation in our community. Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s learn and grow together!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
